Photo credits listed at the end of this post.
As wedding season fades (with tons of 2010 real wedding blog posts ahead) into the beginning of a new year, our focus is on planning, planning, planning (following the highest rated engagement period of the year.) He’s proposed, you’ve said yes. What’s next? On TOP of the list is selecting a venue for your wedding. Being that Cedarwood is a venue (and we are wedding planners and designers) we have to throw our two cents in on this topic. Your venue will absolutely establish your entire wedding experience. And finding your venue is kind of like finding your future mate – you’ll just know it. There will be a sense of completion, a kind of comfort and level of excitement. It will “feel right.”
Of course getting there requires soul searching, research and exploration. If you don’t know yet what type of venue fits you best, our recommendation is to visit the numerous “real wedding” style blogs online to ‘picture’ yourself in various settings: church, country club, vineyard, historic house, countryside garden, farm. Once you’ve identified the setting that resonates most with your sense of style and lifestyle, you’ve done the core work. Next is finding local matches and evaluating the property, packages and personalities. Yes, all three matter.
Online photos can present aspects of a venue in the most flattering light, but only site visits can show you how the facility flows and give you the opportunity to tune into the energy of the place. No doubt budget is a formidable factor impacting venue selection, but make sure you are comparing accurately. All-inclusive venues tend to be more expensive, but when you tally the value of amenities and services provided (that you will buy in one form or another) the ultimate investment often results in savings. Plus you get the bonus of having your whole event budget fixed up-front. Your comfort with venue personnel is important since they will be facilitating the most romantic day of your life. If you aren’t able to figure out a venue’s staff demeanor on the first site visit, make a second appointment. Are they focused on rules and regulations or more on learning your wedding day dream and translating it into the property’s possibilities? Use references and your intuition for a balanced evaluation.
We’re always delighted when couples tell us they found Cedarwood by searching the internet and finding our website. Cedarwood Blog real wedding posts (don’t forget to explore our blog archives!) provide opportunities to see the property in all seasons and types of weather, as well as to view our in-house floral and design skills and wedding style options. Major magazine blogs are vast reservoirs of information, although often regional and local magazine and style blogs are more targeted resources. So let’s get started! Here’s our list of go to sites, a great starting place for newly engaged couples as well as for brides already invested in their planning process:
** denotes blogs who have featured Cedarwood weddings
National Magazine, Regional and Local Favorites:
The Pink Bride**
Nashville Lifestyles Weddings**
Ruffled**
Best Wedding Sites/Brenda’s Blog**
Pretty Little Weddings**
The Classic Bride**
The Lovely Find**
Offbeat Bride
Project Wedding**
Rock and Roll Bride**
Uttlerly Engaged
Photography Credits in the order images appear: Dove Wedding Photography, Cedarwood Staff Photo, Leslee Mitchell, Dove Wedding Photography, Photos by Leenie, Ace Photography, Krystal Mann (thumbnail). Look for our upcoming annual photo faves for tons of Cedarwood eye candy by some of the top Nashville (and beyond) wedding photographers.
Linda & the Cedarwood Event Team
I love this guys! It is so true too! When I toured Cedarwood with Christa I got teary eyed. That’s when I knew that was our “home” for the wedding. I’m too, too excited for next September! Being back there last week was just as magical as the first time. I seriously love it there! Karen, thanks again for all of your help. Linda, I can’t wait to meet you! I feel like I already know you! Christa, good to see you again as well. I can’t wait to see you guys again in Feb. for the open house.
P.S. Is it crazy that I follow nearly all of those blogs that you mentioned??? 😉 I love it.
XOXO!
Thank you for featuring my blog in your list of blogs you recommend to brides!
Thanks Erika. You are a DREAM bride to work with. And Brit, you are welcome. We enjoy Landlocked Bride!